How to size your paddle Length?
Choosing your SUP Paddle Length
A properly fit paddle will result in a more efficient stroke as well as reduce unnecessary stress and strain on muscles and joints. There is a lot to consider when choosing the correct paddle length. The reason we give a range of paddle lengths for each stand up activity is because of the differences in paddling postures, paddling techniques, board styles and water conditions. Use this chart as a starting point. Try out by yourself.

Paddler Height | Total Paddle Length (CM) | ||
(CM) | Racing Paddle | Surfing Paddle | Touring Paddle |
130 | 142 | 140 | 147 |
140 | 155 | 150 | 157 |
150 | 165 | 162 | 170 |
160 | 175 | 172 | 180 |
170 | 187 | 182 | 193 |
180 | 198 | 195 | 203 |
191 | 210 | 205 | 215 |
201 | 220 | 215 | 226 |
211 | 230 | 228 | 238 |
Paddler Weight(KG) | Blade area in(Sq in²/cm²) | Blade Model |
<45 | 65/420 | None |
45-60 | 86.6/558.7 | SP-KSM10 |
87.4/563.9 | SP-SM10 | |
60-80 | 90.3/582.6 | SP-TM10 |
94.25/608.1 | SP-WM10 | |
80-100 | 102 /658 | SP-KM10 |
102 /658 | SP-XM10 | |
100-115 | None | None |
>115 | None | None |
Choosing your kayak Paddle length
Below Kayak Paddle Size Guide base on middle kayak width,Reduce length by 5 cm for a’Small’ kayak(48-55) or increase length by 5cm for large kayak (over 65 cm).
Kayak Type | Kayak Width |
Small Kayak | from 48 to 55 cm |
Middle Kayak | from 57 to 63cm |
Large Kayak | from 65 cm on |
High Angle Touring Paddle | |||
Paddler’s Size(CM) | Total Paddle Length(CM) | Paddle Type | |
Fixed Shaft | Adjustable Shaft | ||
152 > 160 cm | 205 | 200> 210 | KP-S ,SKP-C,SKP-K,SKP-P |
162 > 170 cm | 210 | 205 > 215 | KP-S ,SKP-C,SKP-K,SKP-P |
172 > 180 cm | 215 | 210 > 220 | KP-S ,SKP-C,SKP-K,SKP-P |
182 > 190 cm | 220 | 215 > 225 | KP-S ,SKP-C,SKP-K,SKP-P |
192 > 200 cm | 225 | 220 > 230 | KP-S ,SKP-C,SKP-K,SKP-P |
Low Angle Touring Paddle | |||
Paddler’s Size | Total Paddle Length | Paddle Type | |
Fixed Shaft | Adjustable Shaft | ||
152 > 160 cm | 210 | 205 > 215 | KP-S ,SKP-C,SKP-K,SKP-P |
162 > 170 cm | 215 | 210 > 220 | KP-S ,SKP-C,SKP-K,SKP-P |
172 > 180 cm | 220 | 215 > 225 | KP-S ,SKP-C,SKP-K,SKP-P |
182 > 190 cm | 225 | 220 > 230 | KP-S ,SKP-C,SKP-K,SKP-P |
192 > 200 cm | 235 | 230 > 240 | KP-S ,SKP-C,SKP-K,SKP-P |
choosing Your Dragon Boat Paddle Length
Measuring your paddle
We usually determine the length by following some simple steps:
Sit upright on your buttocks on a flat surface. (e.g a chair or bench)
Raise your right arm vertically upwards pointing the ceiling
Measure the length between the centre of your palm to your buttocks. (This measurement is in inches ranging from from 46inches to 51inches)
Paddle’s Size(CM) | Total Paddle Length | Paddle Type | ||
Beginner | Intermediate | Advanced | ||
195 | 130 | 130 | 130 | DBP-S |
193 | 130 | 130 | 130 | DBP-S |
190 | 125 | 125 | 130 | DBP-S |
188 | 125 | 125 | 130 | DBP-S |
185 | 125 | 125 | 130 | DBP-S |
183 | 125 | 125 | 130 | DBP-S |
180 | 120 | 125 | 125 | DBP-S |
177 | 120 | 120 | 125 | DBP-S |
175 | 120 | 120 | 125 | DBP-S |
172 | 120 | 120 | 120 | DBP-S |
170 | 115 | 115 | 120 | DBP-S |
167 | 115 | 115 | 120 | DBP-S |
165 | 115 | 115 | 115 | DBP-S |
162 | 115 | 115 | 115 | DBP-S |
160 | 110 | 115 | 115 | DBP-S |
157 | 110 | 110 | 115 | DBP-S |
155 | 110 | 110 | 115 | DBP-S |
152 | 105 | 110 | 115 | DBP-S |
Choosing Canoe Paddle or Otrigger Paddle Length
Here is 2 simple way of determining the length of a canoe paddle:
Way 1 ) sit in a chair , Your legs don’t have a lot to do with your paddle size, lift your handle , measure the distance between the chair to your palm center . the paddle length depend on your torso and arm length.
Way 2 )
Sit in a chair and measure the distance from the chair seat to your eye-level, this is the length of your shaft and grip.
Add the blade length of the paddle model you like to have the total paddle length. Overall canoe paddle length is measured in a straight line from the tip of the blade to the top of the grip.
The best way of choosing a paddle, as far as possible, is to try it out!